I’m Not That Obsessive

Chapter 78

– Are you finished?

“Yeah, I just finished. How did you know to call right now?”

– Just a feeling.

“Haha. Okay. Hold on. Let me say goodbye to people and I’ll call you right back.”

– Be quick.

“Alright.”

As soon as I hung up, I continued what I was about to say to Thompson.

“I’m sorry, but I have a prior engagement. What should we do? Let’s meet next time.”

“Oh really? Well, can’t be helped. How about… dinner tomorrow? I think I’ll finish around this time tomorrow too.”

“Ah, I feel bad again. I have to go work out tomorrow. I think I’ll need to exercise every day. I’ve gained too much weight lately. I need to manage it.”

“What weight gain are you talking about? Say something that makes sense.”

“I’ve gained inner fat. Anyway, let’s have a drink when the filming is all done. We can drink freely then. How about that?”

“Alright then. If someone like you is managing their body, I should too. Tsk.”

“Sorry. See you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Take care.”

I said goodbye to Thompson, the director, and the staff, then hurriedly got in my car. As I started the car, I immediately made a call.

Mitchell, who answered before the first ring even finished, started with an unexpected comment.

– Can’t you stop pretending to be close with Thompson?

“What… Did you put a CCTV on me or something? How do you know?”

I did act friendly. Since it wasn’t completely untrue, I admitted it right away. In fact, it wasn’t really pretending; I was just being warm because he seemed like a nice person, but Mitchell called it pretending to be close.

– It’s obvious. You smile and pretend to be close with just about anyone.

“I’m just smiling. That’s not pretending to be close, why does everyone misunderstand?”

The guy in the tank top had said something similar before. It seemed to be my fault wherever I went. Sigh.

“Anyway, don’t worry too much. You think I’d fall for a guy?”

– You might.

“Absolutely. There’s no way that would happen.”

– You never know about these things.

“No, really. It’s definitely not me. Just thinking about filming a kiss scene with Thompson gives me goosebumps. Ugh. His tongue is going to enter my mouth, you know? He’s going to touch me with that huge body. Aaargh.”

My body shuddered just imagining it.

“It’s really strange. I told Thompson this too. And you know what he said? He said my thoughts would change if I did it properly. He’s crazy, really. Anyway Mitchell, you’re worrying about nothing. You’re the only one in my head.”

Just imagining another man touching and kissing me made me nervous. Knowing that the gap between Mitchell and other men would never close, I was confident.

– I think I made a mistake.

Regardless, Mitchell muttered in a rather serious voice.

– I’m getting so angry.

“About what?”

Mitchell kept talking about things I didn’t understand. The important thing was that his voice was really filled with anger.

***

It was the fifth day since we started filming. Director Angelio said he had something to say and arranged a meeting. Besides me, Thompson and the writer, some staff members, and an investor who introduced himself as Mile gathered in one place.

I saw Mile for the first time today. For some reason, his sharp eyes behind his glasses made me uncomfortable.

“I’ve talked with Thompson, but there’s something I haven’t had a chance to tell Geon-woo.”

Director Angelio’s face looked quite serious.

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Well…”

As the director hesitated to speak, the producer Mile, sitting next to him, cautiously started.

“You’ve received the script, so you probably know, but it’s a bit bland.”

Oh? You know it too. This won’t even make it to the award ceremonies, let alone be a box office hit.

I quietly nodded, feeling like I wanted to applaud Mile.

“Actually, even if it’s not a hit, it would be nice to get recognition for its artistic value and receive an award. But my thoughts are a bit different. A half-baked award doesn’t make money. And there’s no guarantee we’ll even get an award.”

At this, Director Angelio quietly sighed. Mile continued, unconcerned.

“It’s a bit late, but we’ve revised the script once more.”

This is already a revised script. I wonder how much more they’ve changed it.

“We’ve added a sex scene. Since this wasn’t discussed beforehand, I’m telling you now. You might be very surprised, but I believe it’s absolutely necessary.”

What, what? What did you say?

My lips twisted involuntarily. It had been a long time since I’d been so unable to control my expression. I could film scenes of love or emotion between people of the same sex, but a sex scene was a very different matter.

Even if my co-star was a woman, it would be something to consider, but a sex scene with a man!

I do all sorts of things with Mitchell, but that’s only possible because it’s Mitchell. Because he’s my Mitchell!

The mere thought of pressing my naked body against a man who wasn’t Mitchell gave me goosebumps. And to do that in front of a camera? They say actors shouldn’t be picky about roles, but this is a bit…

“Ah…”

I shook my head without realizing it. Mile then pressed me as if he had expected this reaction.

“Our movie is planned for simultaneous release in theaters and OTT services. As you know, to rank on OTT, you need some provocative elements, don’t you? If we can’t make this change, there’s no reason for the movie to even come out.”

It was a mess from the start that an investor, not the director or writer, was intervening so deeply. I cautiously guessed that this person in front of me might have been behind the previous script changes too.

“Thompson said he’s okay with it. I hope you’ll open your mind and think about it too, Geon-woo.”

No matter how I thought about it, I couldn’t give a good answer. Meanwhile, Thompson’s collar kept brushing against me as he sat next to me, which was irritating.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll need to think about it.”

“We can give you some time, but it would be better for you to consider it positively. This is the final version. Please check it again.”

Mile handed me the new script.

“Everything else is the same, only the sex scene has been added to the script.”

After that, Mile held me for quite a long time, continuing with persuasion that was no different from coercion. He said things like not to worry because the front would be covered, that exposure is basic in artistic works, and endlessly babbled on with tedious talk.

Mile wanted me to decide right then and there, but I eventually got a day’s time. I left the office as if escaping. My limping flight must have looked quite amusing. Mile pestered me to the end, asking for an answer by tomorrow morning.

As soon as I left the building, I called Mitchell. When I dialed Mitchell’s number, the only one saved, I heard his voice that gave me peace of mind.

– Geon-woo.

I thought he wouldn’t be able to answer because he was on set, but the call connected quickly. I felt deeply relieved as I walked out onto the street.

The way to the parking lot across the street seemed unusually long. Somehow, I felt like if I lingered around here, Mile would catch me and force an answer out of me, so my steps quickened.

“Mitchell…”

– Your voice sounds off?

“When do you finish?”

– Soon.

“When is soon?”

– Why?

“Can you come here now?”

– Now?

“I can’t drive.”

– I’ll send someone. It’s where you parked the car yesterday, right?

“Who are you sending? No, never mind. I’ll just wait for you. And it’s not where I parked yesterday. I parked somewhere else.”

– Why can’t you drive? Is your leg hurting?

“No, it’s not that…”

– I said I’ll send someone. Wait. I know someone nearby…

“No, it’s fine. Really, don’t send anyone. It’s burdensome. I’ll just wait. It’s the same whether I wait at home or in the car anyway.”

– …Two hours. I’ll try to come as soon as possible.

“It’s okay. Take your time.”

After hanging up, I felt bad for making an unnecessary request to Mitchell. This guy Mitchell is secretly quite docile and rarely refuses my requests.

“Haah.”

As soon as I got in the car, a sigh escaped. I locked the doors and looked at the set across the street.

A sex scene with a man.

I absolutely didn’t want to do it, but I also worried if there would be any roles left for me if I kept being picky about this role and that role.

With my leg in this state, I had to leave “Racing Instinct,” and now this situation. Although it’s not my fault, the result was still my responsibility.

My mind was unsettled. After failing in Korea, I was just getting my act together to start again, but opportunities keep slipping away as I stumble. Maybe it would have been better if I hadn’t tried anything from the start. Then I wouldn’t have had any expectations.

What if this is my last chance?

I fiddled with the script of “Fail to Start” and let out a deep sigh.